FMCA has appointed
Chris Smith to the position of
executive director/chief financial officer.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Family Motor Coach Association, an international organization for motorhome owners, has announced the promotion of Chris Smith to the position of executive director/chief financial officer effective immediately. Mr. Smith joined the association in August 2013 as director of administrative services/controller.

Mr. Smith graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Prior to coming on board at FMCA, he served as assistant controller for a Cincinnati-based company for several years.

“We are excited to have an experienced staff member take the reins at FMCA,” said FMCA national president Charlie Adcock. “During his tenure with FMCA, Chris has become a valuable asset. He has developed an in-depth knowledge of FMCA and the RV industry and has played a key role in the recent membership growth FMCA has been experiencing. We look forward to having him serve in this new leadership capacity.”

“I’m honored to be taking on this new leadership role,” Mr. Smith said. “Exciting things are happening at FMCA, and my goal is to keep the momentum going and continue to build on FMCA’s legacy as the best organization for motorhome owners. We’ll be looking for new ways and opportunities to serve the needs of RV travelers. I’ll be attending the upcoming National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, and look forward to connecting with industry representatives there.”

About Family Motor Coach Association • Enhancing The Motorhome Lifestyle
Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of self-contained, motorized recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has more than 70,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching; a medical evacuation and travel assistance program valued at $105 per family; group rates on a roadside assistance program and on motorhome and auto insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and a tire purchasing program. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the Web at FMCA.com.

FMCA invites all RV owners, manufacturers and suppliers to gather for its 96th International Convention July 12-15, 2017, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), an international organization for people who own motorhomes, has announced plans for a return visit to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. FMCA will hold its 96th International Convention in this city known as the “Crossroads of America” July 12 through 15, 2017, and all RV owners are invited.

FMCA hosted a very successful convention at the fairgrounds in August 2012 that was attended by some 2,000 families. “We made a great decision when we opted to host our event in Indianapolis several years back,” said Charlie Adcock, FMCA national president. “The state fairgrounds there easily accommodated our needs in terms of parking for thousands of motorhomes, and it provided plenty of space for motorhome exhibits and indoor vendor displays, as well as facilities for our many seminars and other activities. So, we’re looking forward to a return visit to this fantastic venue.”

“Indianapolis is within a day’s drive of 70 percent of the U.S. population, so that makes it an ideal spot for a gathering of motorhome owners from across North America,” commented Jon Walker, FMCA national senior vice president and chairman of the association’s Convention Committee. “It also happens to be fairly close to the Elkhart, Indiana, area, known as the RV capital of the world. So, that makes it easy for motorhome and component manufacturers and suppliers to take part in the motorhome showcase portion of FMCA’s event.”

The motorhome showcase that unfolds during the FMCA convention is a key element. Major motorhome manufacturers and dealers come together to present a fantastic shopping opportunity for those looking to purchase their first motorhome or their next. Motorhomes in a variety of sizes and price ranges will be on display. Plus, hundreds of companies will set up displays of RV components and accessories, home products, and RV-related services.

When they aren’t shopping, attendees can take part in seminars about topics ranging from towing a vehicle behind a motorhome to microwave-convection cooking. Approximately 100 different sessions will be held, so plenty of educational opportunities will present themselves.

Multiple options are available for attending FMCA conventions. RV owners are invited to bring their vehicle and stay on-site to enjoy all of the activities. Those who don’t yet own an RV are welcome to come for the day and just explore the motorhome show or purchase a passport that allows them to take part in all activities (with no RV parking).

Registration for the Indianapolis event is expected to begin in late winter.

Meanwhile, FMCA currently is taking registrations for its 95th International Convention, set to take place at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center in Chandler, Arizona, near Phoenix, March 7 through 10, 2017.

Family Motor Coach association

Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of self-contained, motorized recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has more than 70,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching; a medical emergency and travel assistance program valued at $105 per family; group rates on a roadside assistance program and on motorhome and auto insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and a tire purchasing program. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the Web at FMCA.com.

West Springfield, Mass. — When Family Motor Coach Association members depart Massachusetts at the end of the group's upcoming convention, they will leave behind a lasting legacy by way of several charitable programs. The Cincinnati-based international motorhome owners group will host its 94th International Convention at the Eastern States Exposition, home of the Big E, August 3 through 6, 2016. The association has made it a goal to give back to the communities it visits for its conventions.

Many RVers are involved in the activities of Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing worldwide. In fact, FMCA even has a chapter whose members donate their time and talents throughout the year by participating in Habitat for Humanity builds. The group often schedules builds near conventions and rallies that FMCA presents. The chapter is scheduled to participate in a build in Falls Village, Connecticut, August 7 to 13.

FMCA members will be able to make donations for future builds at the Habitat booth located in the FMCA Information Center in the Young Building beginning on Wednesday, August 3, or by mailing a check to FMCA, c/o Round Up Programs, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Make checks payable to FMCA and note that the donation specifically is for Habitat for Humanity. All contributions received will be donated in FMCA's name to Habitat for Humanity; no administrative fees will be retained by FMCA.

A group of Family Motor Coach Association members who enjoy quilting have been stitching special gifts to leave behind in Massachusetts. The FMCA On-Road Quilters will donate children's quilts to the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, which provides a home away from home for children being treated at area hospitals. The quilts first will be on display at the FMCA Information Center in the Young Building on Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6. This has become an FMCA tradition and is one means of leaving something behind in the community.

During the convention, used eyeglasses will be donated by FMCA members as a way of supporting the Lions' Foundation Eyeglass Program, which helps to ensure that needy people are able to enjoy the benefits of vision correction.

The Professional R.V. Vendors chapter of FMCA will be collecting nonperishable food items during the convention for donation to Open Pantry Community Services Inc. of Springfield.

The Converted Coach chapter of FMCA will meet in Bernardstown, Massachusetts, in advance of the convention in West Springfield. At the rally, members will finalize their collection of the handmade and crocheted items they plan to donate to the Shriners children’s hospital in Springfield, which specializes in orthopedics and cleft lip/palate surgery, among others.

These represent only a few of the ways Family Motor Coach Association members are making a difference in the lives of others. Many of the association's more than 400 chapters support various worthwhile causes year-round. In addition, throughout the year association members participate in a dues "Round Up" program that benefits Habitat for Humanity, KOA Care Camps, ProLiteracy Worldwide, and Good Will-Hinckley, organizations that provide a helping hand to families throughout the country. To date, the association has donated more than $1 million to these organizations.

It's no accident that "Family" is the first word in the Family Motor Coach Association's name. Association members place great value on "family matters" and have chosen to help families in need whenever possible.

Family Motor Coach Association

Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of self-contained, motorized recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has nearly 70,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching; a medical evacuation and travel assistance program valued at $105 per family; group rates on a roadside assistance program and on motorhome and auto insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and a tire purchasing program. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the Web at FMCA.com.

In early August, FMCA members will embrace the freedom of the open road and go back to the organization's roots, as they point their RVs toward West Springfield, Massachusetts, for the group's 94th international convention.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Freedom is one of the benefits of recreation vehicle travel — the freedom to hit the open road and to travel the highways and byways while taking along the comforts of home. Members of Family Motor Coach Association – a Cincinnati-based organization for owners of motorhomes – will embrace this freedom in early August as they point their RVs toward Massachusetts, a state that played a pivotal role in U.S. history as it relates to the quest for freedom.

The Eastern States Exposition, home of the Big E, in West Springfield will host association members from August 3 through 6 as they celebrate all things related to motorhome travel.

“We are thrilled to be planning FMCA’s first-ever international convention in the state of Massachusetts,” FMCA national president Charlie Adcock said. “Not only did the Northeast play a part in the birth of the United States, but it also played a role in the founding of FMCA back in 1963. The meeting where FMCA was formed took place in New England, and many early members lived there as well.”

For starters, top motorhome manufacturers and dealers will display their latest models as part of the motorhome showcase scheduled to take place. With the variety of sizes and floor plans on exhibit, attendees should have no trouble finding a motorhome to suit their needs. In addition, more than 300 indoor booths will be chock-full of RV-related components and products, and company representatives offering a variety of services to RV owners also will be on hand.

FMCA events also allow motorhome owners — and those exploring the idea of ownership — to expand their knowledge via seminars conducted by RV experts. More than 100 different topics will be addressed during the event in West Springfield.

In addition, attendees will be treated to several nights of topnotch entertainment:

Thursday, August 4: The Texas Tenors will present a patriotic salute with their show titled “Let Freedom Sing.” The members of this singing group finished fourth in the TV show “America’s Got Talent” in 2009 and have continued to delight audiences since that time.

Friday, August 5: The evening show will bring an upbeat, family-friendly performance by The Dave and Daphne Show.

Saturday, August 6: Massachusetts native and country music recording artist Ayla Brown will take the stage.

Attendees also can take part in a variety of special activities, among them group tours of local sites and attractions.

RV owners are invited to take part in all of the activities and also to bring their RV and stay with the rest of the group at the Eastern States Exposition, home of the Big E. Details and pricing are available here. For those who want to view only the motorhome exhibition, admission costs $10 per day; children 12 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult, as are those with an active military ID.

The association welcomes all motorhome owners as members. Dues are $50 for the first year and $40 per year thereafter. Those who do not yet own a motorhome but are interested in learning more may sign up for a subscription to Family Motor Coaching magazine for $30 per year (includes both print and digital editions).

Family Motor Coach Association

Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of self-contained, motorized recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has nearly 70,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching; a medical evacuation and travel assistance program valued at $105 per family; group rates on a roadside assistance program and on motorhome and auto insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and a tire purchasing program. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the Web at FMCA.com.

Located just south of Phoenix, Rawhide Western Town and Event Center will serve as the venue for FMCA’s 95th International Convention, when the association makes a long overdue return visit to the Grand Canyon State.

“FMCA hasn’t hosted an international event in Arizona in several decades, so we are excited to be making plans for this 2017 convention at what will be a really great destination for our members,” FMCA national president Charlie Adcock said. “What could be more fun than spending time strolling through streets and buildings that bring back the flavor of the Old West while enjoying a celebration of the motorhome lifestyle? On the last evening of the convention, Rawhide Western Town will be in full operation, and members will be able to join the public for loads of fun, food, and shopping.”

“Before that, members will enjoy all of the activities of the FMCA convention itself,” added FMCA national senior vice president Jon Walker. “And as a bonus, we’ll be able to bask in the warmth and sunshine associated with winter in Arizona!”

A key element of FMCA’s international conventions is an unparalleled motorhome showcase. Top motorhome manufacturers and dealers will display their latest models. With the variety of sizes and floor plans, attendees should be able to find a motorhome to suit their needs. Some might be looking for a rolling residence for full-time RV living; others may want a vehicle to serve as “party central” for weekend tailgating during college football season; still others may be searching for a vehicle suitable for taking their kids, pets, etc. on weekend getaways or weeklong vacations. When it comes to outfitting the motorhome for travel, attendees will be able to head to the indoor exhibition areas, which will house more than 300 booths packed with a variety of RV-related products and services.

FMCA events also offer motorhome owners, as well as those exploring the idea of ownership, opportunities for enhancing their knowledge via seminars conducted by RV experts. Nearly 100 different topics are expected to be addressed during the event in Arizona.

In addition, motorhome owners will be treated to first-rate evening entertainment and a variety of special activities. Among them will be group tours of local sites and attractions.

Although the convention is organized for Family Motor Coach Association members, the organization also invites members of the public to attend and provides various admission options, including daily public gate passes.

RV owners are invited to take part in all of the activities and to bring their RV and stay with the rest of the group at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center. Registrants may opt for 50-amp (limited quantity) or 30-amp electric hookups, or may choose to rely on their motorhome’s onboard resources and “dry camp.” Potable water and dump station facilities are available at the facility, or roving trucks will provide these services for a fee to those who want to keep enjoying the activities and not stop for housekeeping issues.

The full registration price for non-FMCA members is $245 prior to January 6, 2017, and $275 after that date; this non-member fee automatically grants a one-year FMCA membership or Family Motor Coaching subscription to the RV owner. The FMCA member price is $195 for early-bird registrations and $225 after January 6. (An additional fee is charged for electric.)

The association welcomes all motorhome owners as members. Dues are $60 for the first year and $50 per year thereafter. Those who do not yet own a motorhome but are interested in learning more may sign up for a subscription to Family Motor Coaching magazine for $30 per year.

About Family Motor Coach Association • Enhancing The Motorhome Lifestyle

Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of self-contained, motorized recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has nearly 70,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching; a medical evacuation and travel assistance program valued at $105 per family; group rates on a roadside assistance program and on motorhome and auto insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and a tire purchasing program. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the Web at FMCA.com.

]]>tmoning@fmca.com (Todd Moning)MediaWed, 25 May 2016 19:40:25 +0000Motorhome Owners Group Headed for Good Times in Georgiahttps://www.fmca.com/conventions-64/media/3887-motorhome-owners-group-headed-for-good-times-in-georgia.html
https://www.fmca.com/conventions-64/media/3887-motorhome-owners-group-headed-for-good-times-in-georgia.html
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, FMCA will gather in Perry, Georgia, to celebrate the motorhome lifestyle March 17-20, 2016, during FMCA’s 93rd Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter.
]]>tmoning@fmca.com (Todd Moning)MediaWed, 17 Feb 2016 19:24:28 +0000Popular FMCA Educator, Author Named to RV Hall of Famehttps://www.fmca.com/conventions-64/media/3882-popular-fmca-educator-author-named-to-rv-hall-of-fame.html
https://www.fmca.com/conventions-64/media/3882-popular-fmca-educator-author-named-to-rv-hall-of-fame.html
NEWS RELEASE
Jan. 14, 2016

The RV/MH Heritage Foundation selected Family Motor Coach Association's "RV Doctor” Gary Bunzer, RV training specialist and author, as one of 10 industry professionals who will be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in August 2016.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Most recreation vehicle owners are eager to learn as much as possible about the operation, maintenance, and general health of their homes on wheels. For more than 25 years, members of Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), an organization for motorhome owners, have looked to “RV Doctor” Gary Bunzer for such advice. Recently, the RV author, educator, and RV training specialist was named to the RV/MH Hall of Fame after being nominated by FMCA.

On January 8, the board of directors of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation announced Gary’s selection as one of 10 industry professionals who will be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2016. These professionals are recognized for significantly impacting the recreation vehicle and manufactured housing industries for more than 25 years.

“Gary epitomizes what is great about FMCA members and the RV lifestyle. The manner in which he shares his expertise on the many facets of motorhome maintenance is incredible. We are so pleased he is being recognized for his tremendous accomplishments,” said Jerry Yeatts, FMCA executive director.

Drawing upon four decades of experience, Gary helps RV owners maximize the use and operation of their vehicles. His technical question-and-answer column, “House Calls with The RV Doctor,” appears each month in FMCA’s magazine, Family Motor Coaching. He regularly writes full-length technical articles for the publication as well. Gary presents seminars about motorhome systems and troubleshooting for RV owners at FMCA’s twice-annual Family Reunion events, and for other consumer and trade shows. He also creates and hosts RV instructional videos that appear on FMCA.com and elsewhere.

Nearly 40 years ago, Gary launched his RV consumer question-and-answer column, “The RV Doctor,” which has been published continuously since its inception, and was preceded by an earlier column, “Gary Sez.” He authored the RV Owner’s Handbook and was a technical consultant and contributor to The Complete Idiot’s Guide to RVing.

In 1976, Gary established Bunzer Consulting Inc., owning and operating RV technician training schools in Southern California. He was the first RV educator to write, produce, and direct specific RV service training videos and DVDs for professional RV technicians as well as RV owners. Much of this material is still in use today. He developed the first true Internet-based distance-learning RV technician training program at the community college level.

In 2009 Recreation Vehicle Industry Association presented Gary with the National Education Service Award in recognition of his contributions to RV technical education.

Gary has developed a following at FMCA Family Reunions, where he says he enjoys interacting with his live audiences. Interspersing his presentations with humor and added emphasis on particularly noteworthy topics, the RV Doctor treats those attending with an easy-to-swallow dose of education. “I get the greatest satisfaction teaching seminars, helping coach owners make the most of their recreation investment,” he said.

Gary will be on hand at FMCA’s 93rd Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, March 17-20, 2016, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry. He will present several seminars; be part of a roundtable discussion titled “Ask The Experts”; and serve as a driving instructor for the FMCA Academy, which will be held on-site prior to the event.

What does he think of the RV Hall of Fame honor?

“I am humbled, overjoyed, and greatly indebted to FMCA for its support. I look forward to many, many more years associated with FMCA,” Gary said.

The RV/MH Class of 2016 will be inducted in early August at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, Indiana.

About Family Motor Coach Associaton (FMCA)

Family Motor Coach Association is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of self-contained, motorized recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has nearly 75,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching; a medical emergency and travel assistance program valued at $105 per family; group rates on a roadside assistance program and on motorhome and auto insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and a tire purchasing program. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the Web at FMCA.com.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — FMCA’s 94th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, to be held August 3-6, 2016, will mark the first time the association has held one of its international events in the Bay State. The group will visit Eastern States Exposition, home of The Big E, located in West Springfield.

Family Motor Coach Association has announced that Eastern States Exposition will host the first international Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase event to be held in the state of Massachusetts. Although regional FMCA events and many chapter rallies have taken place in Massachusetts, and even at Eastern States Exposition, FMCA’s August 3 through 6, 2016, showcase will mark the first time the association has held one of its international events in the Bay State.

Located in West Springfield, Eastern States Exposition hosts more than 100 different events throughout the year, including "The Big E,” its signature regional fair, which involves the six New England states.

“We are beyond excited to be taking our Family Reunion event to the northeastern United States, and specifically to Massachusetts,” FMCA national president Charlie Adcock said. “Since the association’s first national office was located in Hanson, Massachusetts, and a number of FMCA’s charter members lived in the Northeast, it’s ironic that we’ve never hosted an event in the state. So, this return to FMCA’s roots is long overdue.”

FMCA’s Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase events bring together motorhome owners for several days of immersion in all things related to the RV lifestyle. Motorhome owners cite the educational aspects of the events as a primary reason for attending. The goal is to provide motorhome owners information to help them enjoy their travels to the fullest. During the event at Eastern States Exposition next summer, they will take part in seminars with topics ranging from chassis maintenance to microwave-convection cooking. More than 100 different sessions will be offered.

Another key reason for attending is the Motorhome Showcase, in which major motorhome manufacturers and dealers display their latest models. With a variety of sizes and floor plans, attendees should be able to find a motorhome to suit their needs. When it comes to outfitting the motorhome for travel, attendees will be able to head to the indoor exhibition hall, which will house hundreds of booths packed with a variety of RV-related products and services.

In addition, motorhome owners will be treated to several nights of first-rate entertainment and a variety of special activities. Among them will be group tours of local sites and attractions.

Although the convention is organized for Family Motor Coach Association members, the organization also invites members of the public to attend and provides various admission options. Registration for the West Springfield event, FMCA’s 94th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, is expected to begin in March 2016.

In the meantime, FMCA leaders and staff are putting the finishing touches on the association’s 93rd Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, which will take place March 17 through 20, 2016, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia.

The 1,100-plus-acre Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter has become a popular place for RV rallies, with its spacious parking facilities; expansive meeting, exhibition, and entertainment venues; and convenient location just off Interstate 75. Registrations currently are being taken for this event. For more information, visit FMCA.com or call (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622.

The association welcomes all motorhome owners as members. Dues are $50 for the first year and $40 per year thereafter. Those who do not yet own a motorhome but are interested in learning more may sign up for a subscription to Family Motor Coaching magazine for $30 per year.

About Family Motor Coach Association

Family Motor Coach Association is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of self-contained, motorized recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has nearly 75,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching, a medical emergency and travel assistance program valued at $105 per family; group rates on a roadside assistance program and on motorhome and auto insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and a tire purchasing program. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the Web at FMCA.com.

Family Motor Coach Association's 92nd Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, held July 29-August 1 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, was deemed a success by event planners.

As the state capital and home of the University of Wisconsin, Madison has received "best city" recommendations from Kiplinger's Personal Finance, plus other kudos. Easy access to Alliant Energy Center, along with its first-class indoor conference facilities and outdoor venues, helped activities to proceed smoothly, including motorhome parking, exhibits, seminars, entertainment, and other functions, according to FMCA events director Chris Lusk.

"The Madison event was a stellar one for both attendees and exhibitors. Feedback from attendees has been wonderful, and our exhibitors have reported excellent sales during the event," Lusk added.

The "coach count" was 1,595, which included 1,434 family vehicles and 161 commercial vehicles. Approximately 75 motorhomes were on display; they were exhibited by 14 companies, which included manufacturers such as Newmar, Jayco/Entegra, Tiffin, and Phoenix USA, and RV dealers such as Paul Evert's RV Country (American Coach, Holiday Rambler, Monaco) and Camping World of Madison (Thor, Winnebago). Spartan and Freightliner also brought motorhome chassis for inspection.

Alliant Energy Center's 255,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall housed indoor exhibit booths staffed by more than 150 companies offering a wide variety of RV supplies, services, and components. These included companies in the FMCA Connections Area, featuring a number of FMCA's commercial partners and services, such as DakotaPost, provider of the association's mail forwarding service. Exhibition Hall also contained FMCA's information center, nearly a dozen seminar rooms, and FMCA event offices.

Coach weighing and seminars were conducted during the event by the RV Safety and Education Foundation. Commercial members also assisted attendees with motorhome service.

"We appreciate the generosity of FMCA commercial members that supported a number of Family Reunion activities and services, such as GEICO with trams, Roadmaster with coffee hour, Fantasy RV with caravan drawings and seminars, Jayco/Entegra's 'Game Zone,' and Miller Insurance with the ice cream social," FMCA executive director Jerry Yeatts said. Other event sponsors included Fogmaker North America, RVTrader.com, and Hale Expo Services.

The Madison convention was FMCA’s second international gathering for 2015; the first took place in Pomona, California, this past March. It also marked FMCA's third visit to Madison; previous events were held there in 1984 and 2011.

"The Madison community and the Alliant Energy Center were great to work with during the event, and we look forward to returning to the venue in the future," Lusk said.

FMCA's next Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase events are slated for the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, March 17-20, 2016; and the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in early August 2016.

About Family Motor Coach Association • Enhancing The Motorhome Lifestyle
Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of self-contained, motorized recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has nearly 75,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching; a medical evacuation and travel assistance program valued at $105 per family; group rates on a roadside assistance program and on motorhome and auto insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and a tire purchasing program. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the Web at FMCA.com.